When you’re feeling under the weather, the last thing you want to hear is that your medication has expired. Many of us still have medications that have expired years ago and are still sitting in the cabinet. Have you ever wondered why medications expire in the first place, and is it safe for us to use them? Unfortunately, there isn't a simple yes or no response to the question.

One way to approach this question is to understand that medications expire because over time the chemical compounds in them can break down and become less effective. When this happens, it doesn’t necessarily always mean that it has become dangerous or toxic. It simply means that the manufacturer can no longer guarantee the full potency and safety of the drug. As a result, the medication might not work as intended, or in worst-case scenarios, it can cause harmful reactions or toxicity. This is especially true for certain types of medications, such as those that are sensitive to light, heat, or moisture.

Not all medications deteriorate at the same rate or to the same extent. Some may still be safe to use even after the expiration date, while others may no longer be effective or safe to use. Certain types of medications, such as those that treat critical health issues, should never be used past their expiration date. 

Examples of these medications include:

• epinephrine (used to treat severe allergic reactions)
• nitroglycerin (used to treat heart attacks)
• insulin (used to treat diabetes)
• tetracycline (used to treat certain infections) 

Other medications, like liquid oral antibiotics and medicated eye drops, may become contaminated with bacteria after they expire. Therefore, it is not recommended to use them, as the risk is much greater to your health. Always err on the side of caution and properly dispose of an expired medication if there is any doubt as to its safety. 

If you have expired medications, there are better options available than just putting them in the garbage. In some cases, medications may be disposed of by flushing them down the toilet. This should not be your first option and you should always consult one of our highly-trained pharmacists before disposing of any medications in this manner so that proper guidance is given.

In a nutshell…

While some medications may still be effective for a year or more after their expiration date, it is not recommended to use them. The next time you are faced with this type of a dilemma, consider what you've learned here. Always consult with your St Hope Pharmacist as your well-being is most important. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.